The Vancouver Courier and St. Paul’s Foundation are partnering to produce the annual Lifetime Seniors Talks + Tables event, which takes place at VanDusen Botanical Garden Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Highlights of the day include Dialogue on Aging — a public presentation series with informative speakers —, tables offering information on supports and services, and interesting demonstrations.
Check out the schedule below to best plan your day. (Editor's note: a previous version of this story had the incorrect date so please check that you've put Sept. 19 in your calendar.)
Schedule
11 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.: Visit Health Talk Tables and displays in the Floral Hall
· Arthritis and Your Hands: Miranda Lee and Jennifer Li, occupational therapists from Holy Family Hospital, Providence Health Care.
· Check your Strength and Balance: Yee Tse, physiotherapy practice coordinator, Vancouver Coastal Health.
· Navigating the Health Care System: Chris Whyte, residential social worker from Brock Fahrni Pavilion, Providence Health Care, and Bronwen Morgan, facility laison, Vancouver Coastal Health.
11:30 a.m.: Healthy Aging — Living Healthy (BMO)
Education consultant Pamela Hamilton
12:15 p.m.: Visit Health Talks tables in both the BMO Theatre and Floral Hall
1 p.m.: Around the World in 365 Days
Jo-Ann Tait, director of elder care and palliative care for Providence Health Care
1:45 p.m.: Visit Health Talks tables in both the BMO Hall and Floral Hall
2:15 p.m.: Update from B.C. Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie (BMO)
2: 45 p.m.: Volunteer of the Year award will be announced in BMO Theatre Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie
3 p.m.: Conclude
Talks + Tables tips
The Lifetime Seniors Talks + Tables event is four-hours long so you should plan strategically if you want to spend the afternoon. Here are a few pointers to make your day that much more pleasant.
* There will be a table with greeters set up at both the visitor centre, which is home to the BMO Theatre, and above by the parking lot outside the Floral Hall.
* Dress accordingly. (Fingers crossed the sun will shine.)
* No pets allowed, with the exception of service animals.
* Bring a snack: Truffles cafe in the visitor centre is offering coupons towards food, but it can be busy at peak times.
* There will be two wheelchairs on hand for anyone who needs help moving up or down the hill from one building to the other, but availability will be limited at busy times so plan ahead.
* Also under the topic of “planning ahead,” choose which talk you most want to hear and get there early to ensure you have a seat. Same goes with demonstrations.
* London Drugs has kindly donated several hundred shopping bags, which will be filled with some reading material, coupons and maybe even a treat. The bags will be given out on a first-come, first served basis.
@sthomas10
